Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing.
Quiet early on in my life, I had an encounter that would come to shape my creative journey in ways I could have never anticipated. I vividly remember the day I saw a young girl, probably no older than eight, fearlessly balancing on a thin rope. The sight was both captivating and symbolic for me. Witnessing her youthful determination and unwavering focus left an indelible mark on my mind and heart.
That singular image of the young girl on the rope became a catalyst for my venture into writing. The act of putting pen to paper wasn’t just a means of expression for me; it was a form of catharsis. I found solace in translating the powerful emotions that this image stirred within me into words. The process of writing allowed me to delve into the depths of my feelings and explore the intricate nuances of the human experience.
The connection between observing visual stimuli and channeling it into my writing is a profound one. Every image I encounter, whether it’s a fleeting moment on the street or a detailed painting in a gallery, has the potential to ignite my imagination and set my thoughts into motion. I find that these captured moments often carry a story within them, waiting to be unraveled and shared.
Writing, for me, has become a way to pay homage to the world around me. Each image I observe serves as a stepping stone into a world of words, enabling me to craft narratives that resonate with the emotions and experiences that we all share as human beings. It’s a beautiful synergy between the visual and the written, a dance of inspiration that fuels my creativity.
In essence, that young girl balancing on a rope was the spark that ignited my passion for writing. She taught me the significance of the unspoken stories that lie behind every image and the power of translating those stories into words. Through writing, I endeavor to capture the essence of the world’s beauty, its struggles, and its triumphs, just as that singular image captured the essence of youthful determination that has forever stayed with me.
Describe your writing process? Is there anything unique about it?
When it comes to my writing process, I’d say it’s a delightful blend of routine and unpredictability. My mother often humorously compares me to a cat in this regard. I thrive on habits and discipline, much like a cat who appreciates its daily routines. On the other hand, I embrace spontaneity and a touch of chaos, just as a cat might suddenly chase after a shadow or pounce on a passing toy.
Central to my process is a particular spot that I’ve come to affectionately regard as my writing haven – much like a cat’s favorite cozy corner. There’s something magical about this spot that ignites my creativity. It’s where I settle down with my thoughts, surrounded by the tools and inspirations that I need to bring my words to life.
While I do appreciate a structured approach to my work, I also understand the value of letting ideas flow freely. This is where the spontaneous and chaotic side of my writing process comes into play. Sometimes, the best ideas strike when I least expect them, and I embrace that creative energy, allowing it to guide me down unexpected paths.
One aspect of my writing process that aligns perfectly with my cat-like tendencies is my appreciation for a certain rhythm and timing. Just as a cat thrives on predictability and doesn’t take kindly to disruptions in its routine, I find myself at my most productive when things are done within a specific timeframe. This might involve setting deadlines, allocating time for different writing tasks, and ensuring that my creative process maintains a sense of order.
In the end, my writing process is a fusion of these seemingly contrasting elements – the structure of routine and the excitement of spontaneity, the comfort of a designated spot and the thrill of exploring new directions. Much like a cat, I find that this blend allows me to gracefully balance between the familiar and the unexpected, resulting in a writing process that is uniquely my own.
Have you published any books or do you have a desire to do so?
Do you have any favorite poets or authors?
I like writers from around the world. Some of my favorite writers are Sir Walter Scott, Claire Keegan and Junji Ito.
Do you have a favorite book of poetry or poems?
Right now I am consuming a lot of Malaysian Literature.
What are you reading now?
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?
Absolutely, I firmly believe that one’s personal experiences, interests, and hobbies play a substantial role in shaping not only their artistic expressions but also their overall personality. The idea that what we do, consume, and engage with outside of our work has a profound impact on our creative psyche resonates deeply with me. This is precisely why I advocate for the significance of cultivating hobbies and pursuits beyond one’s professional realm.
For me, sketching has been an immensely gratifying creative outlet. There’s something profoundly satisfying about capturing the intricacies of portraits and fashion designs on paper. It’s a way for me to channel my visual imagination and bring to life the images that stir within me.
But that’s not all – dancing in the privacy of my room to my favorite tunes is another cherished hobby of mine. It’s a joyful release, a moment when I can let go of inhibitions and connect with the music on a visceral level. The combination of movement and rhythm is like a therapeutic escape from the demands of daily life.
And then there’s my fascination with languages. Currently, I’ve delved into the intricacies of about six languages. Learning languages isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way to bridge cultural gaps and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Each language opens up a new perspective, a new way of thinking and expressing ideas.
Now, I must confess, since I am a linguistics researcher, my linguistic pursuits extend beyond just learning languages. When I’m not engrossed in my writing, I find myself diving into linguistic research. Investigating the nuances of languages, understanding their evolution, and exploring their impact on communication is an intellectual endeavor that continuously captivates me.
In a nutshell, I’m a firm advocate for the idea that hobbies are more than just pastimes; they’re a gateway to self-discovery, personal enrichment, and, most importantly, they fuel creativity in unexpected ways. Sketching, dancing, language learning, and even linguistic research, they all contribute to my holistic growth, infuse my writing with unique perspectives, and allow me to embrace the multifaceted nature of life itself.
Aishwarya Khale’s Social Media Links
Instagram Page